Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Ismail Vadi officially launched a fleet of Metrobus vehicles that will be using dual-fuel which will be a combination of diesel and biocrop gas.
Vadi said by December this year, the City will have 181 buses operating on dual-fuel. He added that much-needed jobs would be created with a minimum of six jobs being created to fuel one bus for a year. There would be no less than 600 jobs created for every 100 buses running on this dual-fuel. In addition, he said jobs would also be created in the maintenance of those buses.
MMC for Transport in the City of Johannesburg, Christine Walters said through the acquisition of these buses, the City was not only reducing the emission of greenhouse gases but it was also creating employment. She added that bus manufacturer, Busmark, had created 280 permanent and temporary jobs during the manufacturing of the new dual-fuel Metrobus fleet.
“Dual-fuel buses and a greener City are one of Executive Mayor Mpho Parks Tau’s passions. We see Metrobus moving in a new direction and the Mayor is proud of the work that Metrobus managing director Mavela Dlamini has accomplished in a short period of time,” Walters said.
Metrobus chairperson, Mpumi Mpofu, explained that the buses were low in emissions, use gas that was commercially cheaper and cleaner and could easily switch to diesel when the gas was not available.
“We ask our commuters to take pride in these buses by looking after them and protecting them,” said Mpofu.
Vadi concluded that Metrobus was working with the University of Johannesburg which will monitor the performance of the dual-fuel buses and advise on ways to improve the performance of these vehicles.
Add us on Whatsapp for the latest news by adding 079 4395 345 to your contact list and just send your name to us so we can save your number. Click here to find out more about our Whatsapp policy.